If you’re ever driving around the island of Oahu along its Eastern Shore, make sure you stop for a few minutes at the Halona Blow Hole for a spectacular natural sea show.

A Blow Hole is generally made up of a lava tube or fissure in the lava rock at the ocean’s edge. As the surf rushes toward the rock, the water is compressed as it moves upward, erupting into a spray of water, not unlike a small geyser. During windy, high tide periods, the Blow Hole can spray water up to 30 feet into the air, making for a fantastic natural show. Here’s some video footage of the Halona Blowhole in action:

That’s not all you can see, though. From the viewing point, you can also observe Humpback Whales cavorting in the ocean during the migration season, or view the Honu (Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles) swimming about. If you can, bring a good pair of binoculars with you when you visit.

Please keep your common sense about you, and don’t approach the blow hole beyond the barriers. This area is dangerous, and has resulted in deaths when unsuspecting onlookers were actually sucked into the hole and drowned.

The Blow Hole is located near Oahu’s Sandy Beach and Hanauma Bay, off of Kalanianaole Highway. You’ll see a lookout area on a rock outcropping and a parking lot on the ocean side of the highway, making it hard to miss. The best part? Access is FREE, making it a grand bargain for the largest of groups!

Note that the Honolulu City and County will embark upon a substantial upgrade to the lookout area beginning in 2008, to repair some of the wall areas and repace railing sections. In addition, wheelchair access will also be made available.